Randy Feenstra Enters Iowa Gubernatorial Race for 2026
U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Iowa, has officially submitted his paperwork to run for governor in the upcoming 2026 election. The filing was completed on Monday and is a significant step towards launching his campaign.
Background and Political Context
Feenstra, who has served in the U.S. House since his election in 2020, filed his candidacy with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. This move comes on the heels of incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds announcing she will not seek a third term during the 2026 election cycle. Feenstra’s intentions align with observations that he has considered a gubernatorial bid since Reynolds’ announcement.
Current Political Landscape
The Republican primary in Iowa is shaping up to be competitive. So far, the only other candidate formally in the race is Brad Sherman, a former state representative who began his campaign earlier this year. Additional figures assessing their chances include:
- Mike Bousselot: Iowa state senator with an exploratory committee.
- Brenna Bird: Iowa Attorney General considering a run.
- Pat Grassley: House Speaker and grandson of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley.
As of now, Feenstra stands as the sole U.S. House member from Iowa pursuing the governor’s office, as fellow Republican Representatives Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Zach Nunn have all ruled out gubernatorial campaigns.
Feenstra’s Vision
Despite not having formally announced his campaign, Feenstra has expressed his dedication to advancing the priorities of the Republican Party. “I’ll tell you right now, I’m focused on fulfilling and making sure that we get Trump’s agenda completed,” he stated in a recent discussion with reporters. He emphasized that he aims to prioritize what is best for Iowa, hinting at his strategic thinking regarding his potential gubernatorial agenda.
Democratic Contenders
On the Democratic side, Rob Sand, the Iowa Auditor, is also running, having filed paperwork for the state’s primary elections on the same day as Feenstra.
Conclusion
The 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race is beginning to take shape, with Feenstra’s entry marking a critical moment for Republican dynamics in the state. As candidates emerge and the landscape evolves, political observers will closely watch how the race unfolds as it progresses toward the primaries.
For updated coverage on the election and related political events, stay tuned to local news sources.
Rep. Randy Feenstra has taken the first steps towards running for Iowa governor in 2026. (Getty Images)
